Message from Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Our first stop was King Chavez Preparatory Academy - a wonderful charter school in San Diego.

Principal Laura Todd receives a proclamation from Ron Lacy representing Mayor Jerry Sanders.

We were also honored to present Vanessa Villapando-Ruiz with our Torch-Bearer award.

Judging from the resounding appluase Vanessa was an appropriate choice. She was deeply moved. Her humility inspired us all.

Later in the day we dropped in at Adams Elementary.

The students enthusiasm gave us a real shot in the arm.

We had a chance to sing the World Harmony Run song...

..and all the students joined in learning the movements.

Later we had some quiet time for reflecting on what peace means to each of us.

Ron Lacy, Mayor Jerry Sanders' representative, was with us again to offer a proclamation to Adams Elementary.

Principal Derek Murchison with Ron Lacy.

Again Ron very gaciously presented three Torch-Bearer Awards to the staff. The recipients were Alwyn Beatima: Prime Time (after school program) Program Assistant: for his energetic, fun, and ultra-positive attitude with the children...

 ...Marina Falter(on the left): Secretary to the Principal: for her genuine concern for the students and staff and leadership role in the community, Randi Currie: Science Teacher: for her 38 years of outstanding teaching touching lives of many students and going above and beyond to coordinate field trips and student "Olympics". (She will be retiring this year).

As well as Principal Murchison himself for his exemplary attitude and consistent positive regard for the students, staff, parents, and community in the face of ongoing challenges.

As the students were departing they each had a chance to hold the torch and make their own wish for peace.

We then had a very exciting run around the school grounds.

Karen Koumjian was instrumental in coordinating our visit.

Jennifer and Vasudha share some heartfelt smiles.

Our final event was an evening at Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio located in Normal Heights.

We were honored to present Torch-Bearer Awards to two San Diego Community organizations: Girls on the Run and TransenDANCE.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. TranscenDANCE, a Youth Arts Project, believes that art is not only a privilege, but a necessity of life. Being a creative person fosters self-awareness, connection to humanity, the ability to explore possibilities, think critically, and transcend self-imposed limits.

Studio founder Sujantra McKeever very kindly welcomed the runners.

Shambhu, the first Executive Director very kindly provided musical accompaniment as well as introducing the spirit of the World Harmony Run.

Executive Director Salil Wilson shared the ideals of the run and introduced the team.

Pilgrimage of the Heart offered a sumptious feast after the event.

Jennifer, from San Deigo shared the torch with her family.

– Harita

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Team Members:
Shobhavati Davies (New Zealand), Jana Duskova (Czech Republic), Tom McGuire (New Zealand), Katya Percheklii (Ukraine), Larissa Zub (Belarus), Priyala Carvalho (New Zealand), Salil Wilson (Australia), Dzmitry Kuzmich (Belarus), Harita Davies (New Zealand), Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Teekhnata Wendy Metzler (San Diego ), Ujjwala Mettrick (New Zealand), Jennifer Cluck (San Diego)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!

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